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Growing Tiny Tim Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
To successfully grow Tiny Tim cherry tomatoes, begin the planting process by sowing the seeds indoors. These unique dwarf plants can be started at any time of the year as potted plants, offering a mid-season production of petite, scarlet miniature cherry tomatoes. Start the seeds indoors with the use of bottom heat in early spring, maintaining a temperature of around 50°F to facilitate germination. Once the seedlings emerge, place them under bright lights for proper growth, ensuring they do not become leggy. Continue to grow the seedlings for 6-8 weeks. Transplant the Tiny Tim tomato seedlings when the outdoor night temperatures are reliably above 45°F for early season varieties, or 50°F for other types. Proper spacing is essential; space transplants 18-24" apart in rows 3 feet apart. The Tiny Tim cherry tomatoes are determinate, and they can thrive in smaller spaces and containers, making them ideal for small gardens and compact gardening areas. Starting Tiny Tim cherry tomato seeds indoors and providing the right conditions for germination is essential to get your compact tomato plants off to a great start.
When growing Tiny Tim cherry tomatoes, a few key maintenance tips can help ensure a successful harvest. Given their determinate growth habit, these dwarf plants usually require less pruning and maintenance than indeterminate varieties. However, regular inspection for common tomato pests such as aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies is still essential. Consider companion planting with basil, marigold, or chives to help deter pests and enhance the growth of your Tiny Tim tomatoes. To maximize their growth, provide full sun and maintain well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A balanced organic fertilizer beneath each transplant can supply the necessary nutrients. Tiny Tim tomatoes are not exceptionally demanding, but like all tomatoes, they thrive when kept consistently watered, with a regular watering schedule. While they can tolerate less sunlight, they will yield fewer fruits and display larger, less tidy growth under these conditions. With these maintenance and growing tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet miniature cherry tomatoes from your Tiny Tim plants.
Harvesting Tiny Tim Tomatoes
Harvesting Tiny Tim cherry tomatoes is a delightful experience, thanks to their compact size and determinate growth habit. These plants produce masses of sweet miniature cherry tomatoes, making it easy to know when they're ready for picking. Determinate varieties like Tiny Tim typically set fruit in a concentrated period, and once they begin ripening, it's essential to keep an eye on them. When the tomatoes reach their desired color, typically a vibrant scarlet red, they are ready to harvest. Gently grasp the ripe tomatoes and give them a slight twist; they should come off the vine with minimal effort. With determinate tomatoes like Tiny Tim, the fruit ripens within a relatively short time frame, offering a concentrated harvest. Enjoy these sweet, miniature cherry tomatoes in salads, as a tasty snack, or any way you prefer.
About Tiny Tim Tomato Garden Seeds
Tiny Tim cherry tomatoes date back to the mid-20th century. These diminutive tomatoes were introduced by the University of New Hampshire in 1945. While the specific breeding details may be limited, they have become a beloved heirloom variety cherished for their compact size and bountiful production of sweet miniature cherry tomatoes.
Tiny Tim tomatoes were not bred for a specific trait or growing climate but have gained popularity for their suitability in small gardens and container gardening. Their determinate growth habit, compact size, and ability to thrive in smaller spaces make them a versatile choice for gardeners with limited room and diverse growing conditions.
In addition to their compact nature, Tiny Tim cherry tomatoes are perfect for container gardens, window boxes, and small garden plots, making them an excellent choice for those with limited outdoor space. While they may not be suitable for hanging baskets due to their determinate growth habit, these plants excel in small spaces and are an ideal addition to any gardener's repertoire.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Consider pruning some of the lower foliage as the season progresses. This can help improve air circulation around the plant, reducing the risk of common tomato diseases like blight. Additionally, these compact tomatoes can thrive with less sunlight than many other varieties, making them a great choice for gardeners with limited sun exposure in their growing area."
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- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer
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Tiny Tim Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 250 mg - Approximately 90 Seeds
- 1/4 oz - Approximately 2,500 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 160,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Tiny Tim Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.